Germany’s Ambassador to Egypt Cyrill Nunn has said that Egyptian-German relations are strong, especially in the recent period, and that his country’s current portfolio of projects in Egypt amount to €1.7bn.
In light of the reforms undertaken by the Egyptian government, more German companies have become involved, Nunn also said, with a positive development in the trade exchange process.
This comes alongside a distinguished German investment presence, both with regard to high-speed trains and hydrogen production in Egypt. In addition to this, his country is also heavily involved in the field of producing new and renewable energy.
In a press conference on Sunday, Nunn added that there are more huge projects that have the support of German Government, which sees its Egyptian counterpart as its partner in the field of water and solid waste management.
“The whole world is facing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic fallout, and we are all on one side,” he said, “Additionally, the German Government is engaged in searching for solutions that benefit everyone.”
“Accordingly, the COVAX facility has been established under the umbrella of the United Nations (UN), and its goal is that every person on earth has the right to obtain Vaccination,” he added, “It will not benefit if one part of the world is protected and the other part infected.”
He further pointed out that 5 million doses would be provided to Egypt through the COVAX facility in the coming period.
The German Ambassador disclosed that about 20% of German exports and imports are transported through the Suez Canal, and that as a result, his country has a great interest in re-floating the currently trapped container vessel, Ever Given, and putting it back on track.
Nunn added that solving this problem needs strong technical support from all countries, especially Europe, and that Germany will not hesitate for a moment to provide support if Egypt asks.
The Ambassador noted that the Royal Mummies Parade has created a strong Egyptian presence in German media and television, adding, “It is the best [kind of] publicity for the country.”
Nunn disclosed that there is military cooperation with Egypt, especially in the naval field, and noting that Germany has agreed to supply 10 patrol submarines to the Mediterranean coasts.
Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis, the Ambassador commented, “Egypt lives on the Nile and needs it, therefore, we have to find a solution to secure these rights and needs in the Renaissance Dam crisis with Ethiopia, and that this be done by political means.”
“Hence, the international community and the European Union (EU) are calling on all parties to sit at the negotiating table, with the aim of safeguarding Egyptian rights,” he said.
Ambassador Nun emphasised the strength of cultural relations between Egypt and Germany, pointing to the presence of three German universities in Egypt.
He added that Egypt is an unusual country with regard to the interest in learning the German language, due to the well-established German-language school structure in Egypt.
There is also a continuous tourism exchange between Germany and Egypt, due to study, tourism, work, and the like, the ambassador noted.
He said that, in cooperation with the Egyptian government, Germany has established an immigration centre in the Maadi district of Cairo. Here, visitors can enquire about job opportunities, with returnees to Egypt from Europe and Germany also able to benefit.
